Why are there no new episodes of High Potential in the coming weeks? Schedule explored

The new crime drama on ABC, High Potential, premiered on September 17, 2024, and has already become one of the network's biggest hits in six years. It follows single mom Morgan Gillory as she uses her keen, offbeat mind to solve crimes. Mystery, some laughs, and good drama combine in this intriguing series.

The series, based on the French show HPI, has received attention from viewers for its new approach to solving crimes. However, the mid-season break has seen fans discussing why the show has paused and what the series might release next. ABC scheduled a mid-season break to strategically align with key events and optimize viewership. The show will return with new episodes in January 2025.

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Why have a mid-season break?

The reason behind the mid-season hiatus is to strategically align with key events. Another reason for the same is to optimize viewership. The hiatus allows the network to build anticipation for returning shows and to accommodate special programming, such as New Year's Rockin' Eve, college sports, and holiday programming.

Additionally, it helps to avoid airing episodes during periods when viewership might be lower, ensuring that the shows return with a strong promotional push and higher viewership during sweeps periods.

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When will High Potential be back on ABC?

High Potential is going to come back on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 9 pm ET instead of its previous 10 pm ET time slot. According to this strategy, ABC is going to allocate the show to an even bigger audience since it is going to run alongside another big detective show, Will Trent, during the same time slot.

Both series are appealing to crime drama fanatics and feature protagonists who use unorthodox ways of solving crimes. The strategic time shift takes advantage of the strengths of both shows since viewers will likely tune back for the show since it's returning to its ongoing season.

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How will the new time slot affect High Potential?

Being moved from 10 pm ET to 9 pm ET puts High Potential in a competitive yet advantageous position. It will air at 9 PM, when it is likely to enjoy high viewer ratings, especially because it is a family-friendly drama. Paired with Will Trent, which follows a similarly thematic detective format, the show can leverage the strength of a good lead-in series.

The 9 pm time slot also coincidentally aligns with the feel-good, accessible vibe of this show, thereby making this a more desirable time slot for a wider range of viewers, including families that want programming served up earlier. This new positioning is likely a strategic move by ABC, allowing High Potential to bag a great viewing base to lead to another season getting greenlit.

Placing it right before another highly-rated crime series called The Rookie makes for a programming schedule that allows viewers to sit through an evening full of hard-hitting detective dramas. These will no doubt increase the show's already high ratings and help the show strengthen its spot on the network.

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What to expect when the show returns?

When High Potential returns in January 2025, fans can expect an even more thrilling and emotional ride. The showrunner, Todd Harthan, has teased that the second half of season 1 will be a roller coaster of excitement and heartbreaking moments. The midseason finale left viewers on a high note with a hostage situation at the precinct, and the story will likely continue to build on that intensity.

Harthan mentioned that the new episodes will delve deeper into the relationships between the characters, especially the bond between Morgan (played by Kaitlin Olson) and her daughter Ava (played by Amirah J).

Viewers can look forward to some lighter moments, but also episodes that will "rip your heart out." The show will also explore how the traumatic events have affected the characters and their dynamics.

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All episodes of High Potential are available on Hulu also.